The Queensland Government will accelerate major infrastructure projects as part of its Economic Recovery Strategy to bolster the state’s employment opportunities to rejuvenate the economy.
As Queensland emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palaszczuk Government has announced an Economic Recovery Strategy titled Unite and Recovery for Queensland Jobs.
“The patient has been stabilised, so now it’s time to start down the road to recovery and recuperation,” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “Now we must stay united, with a clear plan for this next phase – the first stage of our carefully implemented approach, which will ensure we continue to protect our health while backing Queensland jobs.”
The strategy pledges more than $50 billion on infrastructure investment across the next four years. This includes $400 million towards Queensland’s Accelerated Works Program, which will deliver sealing works to roads, bridges and pavements.
To increase Queensland jobs, $200 million in 2020-21 will be provided for a Works for Queensland Program, which will fund productive building projects in an effort to boost employment.
Cyclone-affected areas of Queensland will be given $11.25 million to the Household Resilience Program.
“These infrastructure commitments are statewide and will help regional Queensland,” Palaszczuk said.
Commenting on the economic strategy, Cement Concrete Aggregates Australia (CCAA) chief executive officer Ken Slattery welcomed the announcement.
“As a major employer nationally, the Australian construction sector will play a leading role as we recover from the economic and social impacts of the pandemic,” he said. “In Queensland, this means an emphasis on fast tracking major projects that will contribute to lifting economic confidence in the state – and help create much-needed jobs.”
More than 6000 people employed in the construction materials industry are represented by the CCAA.